As an attorney, the questions you ask during the interview are not just a formality, but a powerful tool to shape your career. They can make all the difference in securing the next opportunity that aligns with your career objectives.
Shari Davidson, President of On Balance Search Consultants, is a trusted advisor to attorneys, offering invaluable insights on how to elevate their careers. Here, she shares her expertise on the legal search:
I don’t believe in just getting a job to get a job.
You spent years in law school and paid considerable money to get that degree. Then you have to study for the bar exam, which takes significant time and energy, not to mention the cost.
Why would you take just about any job as a lawyer?
Attorneys work anywhere from 40 to 80 hours a week. On average, you spend about 46.9 hours each week working (Google Reports). There are 168 hours in a week, and you spend nearly half of that time practicing law. Do what you love.
You need a crystal-clear vision of your career path. Ask yourself . . .
• Why did you become an attorney?
• What practice area are you passionate about?
The job interview is a nerve-wracking experience. It’s a complicated, confusing process designed to weed out candidates who are not a good fit.
In the early stages of the interview process, never ask about compensation. That’s negotiated once an offer is made. Make no mistake: get a question wrong, and you’re eliminated from consideration.
Sure, it’s about the money. But be honest with yourself: do you fit in with the firm’s culture? Will you thrive in this environment? Or would you be better off at another firm for less money?
Anticipate what will be asked during the interview. Law firms want the best and are very careful about who they bring on. Preparation is key, you’ve got to listen, respond, and ask questions to determine if the opportunity matches your career goals.
- What differentiates your law firm from all the other law firms?
This question is essential to learning about how the firm sees itself in the marketplace. Is the firm staying up to speed with technology, marketing, diversity, etc.?
- When interviewing for a particular practice area of law, you’ll need to understand what types of cases the firm takes on.
Question the types of cases they handle and cases they pass on. How narrow is the practice area? Will there be enough diversity for you to grow? Conversely, will the firm take on almost anything that comes through the door? How does this sit with you? This will help you assess if the firm is a good fit.
- Ask what it is about your resume that stood out and got you the interview.
Take note of the interviewer’s insights to better direct your answers and questions with specific experiences and skills that are critical for the position.
- How long has the interviewer been with the law firm?
What is their career trajectory, and why did they choose to work here? This will give you insights into whether the firm’s leadership goals and ethics align with your values and principles about law.
- What does the interviewer enjoy most about working here?
Listen carefully. Do you think they really like working here? Has there been a high turnover? How much new business has been brought on? If the answers are vague and seem politically safe, you’ll need to research what is being said outside the firm.
- What is the process of onboarding new hires?
The answers to these questions will help you understand how much support you can expect and where you may need to fend for yourself. If you’re unsatisfied with the response, have your recruiter do more digging.
- How does the firm measure success?
Understanding how the firm measures success is crucial. It can give you a clear picture of whether the firm’s values and goals align with your own. Listen carefully. If they don’t discuss how compensation, bonuses, and promotions are awarded, don’t push this. Alternatively, they may talk about essential intangibles such as leadership, community service, ongoing marketing efforts, etc. Understand what is said and what should have been discussed. This will help you decide if the firm’s values align with yours.
- What are the biggest challenges in (—— fill in the blank)
Subtly ask how the interviewer sees your skills for meeting and overcoming those challenges. This can be very telling. Is the practice leader looking for a worker bee or someone they can groom to take over the practice one day?
- What are the firm’s diversity hiring strategies? Do they have a diversity committee?
This is a critical question you can ask. Leadership’s answers will inform you about the firm’s values and areas for improvement. Find a firm focused on being relevant and responding to today’s workplace needs.
- In closing, ask if there is anything they need clarification on to help make a positive decision about hiring you.
Many of my candidates fear this question. No one wants to hear criticism. Listen carefully to what is said. Thoughtfully respond to anything that may be misunderstood and cite details and information so the interviewer can make a good hiring decision. This will also help you understand what not to do in the next interview.
Shari Davidson — “When working with me, I will ask you questions that align your search with your career goals. Everyone’s goals are different — no one strategy works for everyone. We will create a STRATEGIC PLAN that is just for you.”
Let’s get your career back on track. Email me at Shari@onbalancesearch.com, and we’ll get started.”
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About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises law firms on taking a firm to the next level and helps rising talent transition to the right law firm.
Contact us today. Call 516.731.3400 or visit our website at https://www.onbalancesearch.com.
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your circumstances, the laws in your states pertaining to social media, and any legal restrictions.
